14 Functions of the Thyroid Gland

The thyroid, rather than being a separate "part" of the endocrine system is a major player of the whole endocrine system which regulates metabolism, growth, development and puberty, tissue function and moods. It does this by secreting thyroid hormones that regulate the speed in which body's chemical functions proceed (metabolic rate).

Technically speaking, the thyroid gland regulates or in some way participates in the process of the following 14 body functions:

- regulates basal metabolic rate

- regulates body temperature

- regulates appetite

- promotes expulsion of glucose for energy

- stimulates protein synthesis

- increases lipolysis

- regulates cholesterol levels

- maintains standards for cardiac function

- promotes normal neuronal development in

the fetus and infants

- promotes normal neuronal function in

adults

- enhances effects of sympathetic nervous

system

- promotes body and skeletal growth

- promotes development of muscles and

muscle function

- regulates standards for female

reproduction and lactation

For as small as the thyroid is in physical size, it does quite a bit for our bodies. So just how does it do all this?

The thyroid gland is located in the front of your neck just below the Adams Apple. It is wrapped around the trachea (windpipe) and has a shape similar to that of a bow tie or butterfly. Its only purpose is to produce hormones which are introduced through the blood effecting metabolism throughout our entire body. The thyroid gland produces its two most important thyroid hormones, thyroxin (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), from iodine which it gets from a diet of seafood and salt. Although the thyroid produces more T4 than T3 hormones (approximately 10:1 ratio) the T3 hormone is the more biologically potent of the two. Once introduced into the blood from the thyroid gland, a large portion of the T4 hormone is then converted into T3 hormone. The T3 hormone is the actual hormone affecting the body's metabolism.

The thyroid gland works in conjunction with two other glands, the hypothalamus gland (the area of the brain that controls body temperature, hunger and thirst) and the pituitary gland, located at the base of the brain, which acts as a regulator to the output of the thyroid glad. Hormones produced from each gland signals the next gland to produce its hormone. So the hypothalamus gland produces a hormone called TRH which sends a signal to the pituitary gland to produce a hormone called TSH which in turn signals the thyroid to produce T4 and T3 hormones. In addition to the signal from the TRH hormone from the hypothalamus gland, the pituitary gland senses the levels of T4 and T3 hormones in the blood and signals the thyroid gland by the amount of TSH hormone it releases to either increase or decrease the production of T4 and T3 hormones.

Because of the wide influence the thyroid has to the rest of the body, it is essential that the thyroid be kept in good health at all times. A dysfunctional thyroid can escalate, causing further dysfunction and damage to other organs of the body, and in some cases, if left unattended, a dysfunctional thyroid can become fatal with a heart attach

By Dennis Earle

Want To Know What The Normal Thyroid Range Is?

So what exactly is a normal thyroid range? Predicting a range can be tricky. A thyroid level can differ from one geographical region to another. The type of test conducted must also be taken into account.
The thyroid gland secretes two types of hormones, namely T3 and T4. These hormones are responsible for the regulating of the metabolism in the body. When these hormones are under active it results in hypothyroidism and when they are over active the outcome is hyperthyroidism. When these hormones are in harmony the normal thyroid range is obtained.
The levels of the hormones are determined by another hormone called Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) it is secreted by the pituitary gland. It stimulates the thyroid to secrete the T3 and T4 hormones. When the level of TSH increases it is an indication that the thyroid gland is not working properly resulting in hypothyroidism. The adverse also applies, when the level falls below the normal level it is an indication of hyperthyroidism.
Normal TSH Level
To understand what a normal TSH level is, is tricky. The reason being is that different countries use different scales. In the UK the normal level is 0.5 to 5.5. The US used to use the same scale up until 2003. From 2003 the scale was revised to specify normal levels between 0.3 to 3.3. There is no uniformity in treatment as some labs still use the old scale. The TSH level also fluctuates throughout the day. Between 6am and 6pm the levels remain constant. However in the evening the level continues to increase up to midnight. This is when the highest level is recorded. The difference in TSH levels throughout the day can be as much as 2-3 points.
Normal T3 Level
There are very small amounts of T3 present in the body. It is a very important hormone when it comes to the regulation of the metabolism. In a 'Total T3' test a normal range would be between 80 and 220. Below 80 indicates an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) and above 220 is indication of an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
Normal T4 Level
T4 is transported in the bloodstream by proteins, where it is converted into T3 inside the liver. With a 'Total T4' a normal range is between 4.5 and 12.5. If your levels are outside the normal range your doctor will more than likely diagnose you for hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
If you have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism or you suspect you suffer from it. Do not be despondent. There is a thyroid cure for you. More often than not the problem can be cured with natural treatments. There are many nutrients which are advantageous to the thyroid. There are too many of them to mention
By Michael R Louw